Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences

Geology Bachelor's Degree

The world needs professionals who desire to be stewards of the Earth.

At Michigan Tech, dig deep into your studies to understand our planet. Our society needs natural resources. We also have a responsibility to preserve the environment. You can learn how to strike that delicate balance as a geology professional.

Geology is the study of the earth, earth materials, and earth systems; it is a physical and natural science. Geologists inquire into some of humankind’s most enigmatic challenges. Their work sheds light on global concerns including:

  • Responsible natural resource development
  • Environmental protection
  • Global climate prediction
  • Land-use planning
  • Natural and human-induced hazard investigation and mitigation
  • Water-supply maintenance

As a geologist, train to explore and extract minerals or energy resources. Dispose of nuclear and chemical waste and choose the best sites for structures. Study natural hazards, such as volcanoes or earthquakes. Figure out how to lessen their impact on people.

  • No. 13
    Best Public College for Engineering in America (Niche)
  • No. 2
    Best Public School for Internships (The Princeton Review)
  • No. 3
    Best Public College in the US for High Salaries (The Wall Street Journal)
  • No. 9
    for Career Placement (The Princeton Review)

Tomorrow Needs Adaptable Geology in the Field and Lab

The daily duties of geoscientists, such as geologists, include investigating natural phenomena. Collect data on location, interpret the results in a lab, and write reports. Field studies bring geoscientists to diverse landscapes around the globe. You may find yourself at a volcano, over an ocean, or visiting oil fields. Learn to adapt to a variety of situations and working conditions. Geoscientists must have the ability to develop a picture of a field site based on limited data. Develop sound critical-thinking skills for this discipline.

Be Career-Ready

Discover a world of opportunity. A bachelor’s degree in geology will prepare you for a career in industry or graduate study. Geologists often spend part of their working time outdoors and enjoying nature. They may travel the world.

Interested in oil exploration or a career in academia? Explore graduate education options. An advanced degree provides greater specialization.

Explore career opportunities for geologists.

  • Groundwater and surface water monitoring and cleaning
  • Natural-hazards mitigation
  • Satellite remote sensing of environmental processes
  • GIS mapping of environmental data
  • Site investigations of underground hazards
  • Slope failure investigations
  • Oil or gas exploration and recovery
  • Subsurface visualization
  • Natural and induced seismicity evaluation

$55,481 mean entry-level salary
Figures from payscale.com, accessed April 2025.

Engineering Salaries

Emilie Pray on Field Geophysics

Field Geophysics was the class that fully cemented the concepts learned in the classroom into real-world applications. Along with practice in technical writing skills and group work in the field, I believe this class has prepared me well for my future career.

Emilie Pray
Emilie Pray '21
BS Geology

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying geology at Michigan's flagship technological university.

 

Snow covered Mount Erebus.
Mount Erebus in Antarctica is a modern example of alkaline volcanism.
"There's a classification scheme that we use to determine the original rock type that the mineral grew in, which then tells us what kind of magma left that particular chemical signature of trace elements."Chad Deering, associate professor of geological and mining engineering sciences

MTU engineering

Real Engineering. Meaningful Work.

We are committed to inspiring students, advancing knowledge, and innovating technological solutions to create a sustainable, just, and prosperous world. With an entering engineering class of about 1,000 students, 18 degrees to choose from, and 160+ faculty in the College of Engineering alone, we provide a world-class education with the trusted reputation of Michigan Tech.

As a student at Michigan Tech you’ll work closely with faculty mentors, immerse yourself in experience-powered learning, and gain a thorough understanding of engineering practice. Collaborate and innovate in laboratories, coursework, Enterprise, and Senior Design—you'll work with industry partners on real engineering projects and develop strong skill sets for your future.

You could study abroad, with engineering opportunities ranging from a few weeks to one full year. Or focus on problems facing disadvantaged communities in countries around the world. Michigan Tech’s Global and Community Engagement program offers you a range of options.

More than 400 employers regularly recruit our students for internships, co-ops, and full-time employment. Engineering students average seven interviews, and 98 percent are employed within their field of study, enlist in the military, or enroll in a graduate school within six months of graduation. A degree in engineering from Michigan Tech can take you anywhere.

Tomorrow Needs You

Engineers do a lot of things, but there's one thing we do first and foremost: we help people. We use creative ideas and technologies to solve problems in health care, energy, transportation, hunger, space exploration, climate change, and more—much more. Become an engineer who is ready for what tomorrow needs.

Student Stories

Be an MTUengineer

Join the LEAP leaders, wow the elementary students, and attend the AIPG National Conference.

Teach coding and circuitry. Research combustion and nanotechnology. Do a co-op with Kimberly-Clark. Show us how to slurry sand and complete miners training.

Tell us how important wetland mitigation is to you.

This is what we're all about.

Read Student Stories

A Professional Start

Geology majors have great peers.

  • American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG)
  • MTU Society of Women Engineers
  • Geology Club
  • Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration
  • Sigma Rho

Compete in Enterprise. Go rockhounding with the local community.

Begin your networking journey here.

Join clubs and groups.

Beyond Engineering

Engineering majors cultivate their interests and talents at Michigan Tech. Join Superior Wind Symphony, follow military service, and be active in local politics.

Dive into Yucatan Culture.

Attend GeekU.P., become a lifeguard, and do a Canal Run. Be a musher. Set a Guinness World Record. Take part in Parade of Nations.

Let yourself shine.

Go Beyond

The GMES Department

  • We provide advanced technology for your hands-on learning.
  • Our locale is Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, with its geological riches, rocky Lake Superior shoreline, and acres of forestland.
  • We offer field studies to classic and novel sites in Michigan and beyond.
  • Travel with our faculty to do research locally or abroad.
  • Practice communication and community involvement through geophysics, social geology, and mitigation of natural hazards.
  • Learn from faculty who understand the value of our Earth.

Connected, innovative.

Build real skills at Michigan Tech. Become an engineer.

Gain diverse experience.

Engage in design and research.

Leap forward in your program.

Connect with students and industry.

"The highlight of my time here would have to be my involvement with the Geology Club and our AIPG student chapter."Sienna Meekhoff, '21 Geology